Stackable chairs are an excellent choice for churches, as they are versatile, lightweight and easy to store when not in use. They also allow much more available space in multipurpose rooms. They can create a hazard if they are not stacked and stored properly, however. Here are some tips for stacking your church chairs safely and efficiently:
Consider the Type of Chair
There are many different types of church seating available to choose from, and each style will have different stacking considerations. Sturdy, functional and economical church chairs are available in high back, steel frame with poly resin seating, wood, fabric lined, padded and ergonomic styles. Whether or not the chairs have arms and thick padding will also affect how they stack.
Chairs with a lot of padding should not be stacked too high, as they will begin to lean forward. Church seating can be comfortably stacked seven to eight chairs high or about eye-level.
When selecting types of seating for your church, the specification listings and reviews will typically include all pertinent information. Companies that specialize in church and banquet chairs will be able to help you decide what style best suits your church’s needs and budget, as well as any safety considerations.
How to Properly Stack Chairs
Regardless of the chair style, stacking should always be done on level ground and in a safe area where people will not be bumping into them or moving around them frequently. Children should never be allowed to play near or climb on stacked chairs.
Check manufacturer information to be sure that your chairs are designed to be stacked. This will prevent damaging them or creating an unstable stack. If they have armrests, start stacking by holding it by the armrests. Armless chairs should be picked up and held from the underside of the seat. Position the two back legs of the second chair directly above the back legs of the first chair in the stack, then slide the chair down. The underside of the second chair will sit on the seat of the first. As you bend down to pick up chairs, do so from your legs not your back to prevent back-strain.
Don’t Stack Them Too High
For church chairs with thick padding, a stack of seven or eight chairs is a good height. Some especially large styles might limit stacks to about five or six chairs. Thinner padded vinyl, molded plastic or metal chairs can be safely stacked to a height of roughly 10 chairs. Use good judgment and do not allow stacked them to lean or go above eye level. The higher they are stacked, the more likely they are to fall over. Stacking the seating too high also puts increased strain on your back.
Stackable chairs are excellent choices for churches because they are easy to move, versatile and allow more space in multipurpose rooms. They come in a variety of styles that affect how high the chairs can be stacked. You should always remember to use common sense in stacking your church chairs to avoid injury to yourself or others.